How to Measure to Choose a Ball Mount with the Right Rise or Drop to Tow a Trailer Level

Updated 03/31/2016 | Published 03/29/2016

Question:

I want a proper hitch to tow by 19 ft Lund with 110 hp outboard. I have watched the video and got the basics of fitting to the receiver. My question is at what drop should I buy for towing my boat? Should the boat be level when attached to the hitch? Any help would be appreciated.

asked by: James T

Helpful Expert Reply:

I can help you out with choosing a ball mount. You do want the trailer to be level when you tow it so there are some measurements needed to determine the drop or rise needed to tow the trailer level. First, measure from level ground up to the top of the receiver opening on your 2011 Ford F-150. Then use the trailer jack to level the boat and measure from level ground to the bottom of the coupler.

If the hitch is taller than the coupler the difference between the two measurements is the amount of drop you will need. If the trailer coupler is taller then the difference is the amount of rise you will need. I have included a link to a help article explaining these measurements and a link to our ball mount main page.

expert reply by: Michael H